Web Communications Specialist

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Web Communications Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the content on the main Surrey School District website and pages, including and writing and posting information, designing web pages and monitoring the website generally to ensure it is up-to-date and consistent with district guidelines.

The Web Communications Specialist will research information and stories that are suitable to feature on the district website, write and post the information in an interesting and timely fashion. 

The work of this employee requires a significant degree of independence, judgement, interaction with people in and outside of the district, and involves a great deal of writing; often within tight deadlines and occasionally with little or no notice.

Duties include regularly updating the content on several web pages of the district website, as well as ensuring the presentation is attractive and conforms to best practices in web design and layout.  This role also is responsible for reviewing all web pages on a regular basis to ensure conformity to district standards and notifying the appropriate people if posted information is incomplete, obsolete or unclear.  The Web Communications Specialist is also expected to assist in general communication-related duties as needed.

The Web Communications Specialist reports to management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Researching, writing and editing information/stories regarding Surrey schools and the district for the Internet and other communication vehicles.

Preparing, formatting (layout and design) and posting information to the district website that may include text, tables, images and video.

Review school newsletters, board meeting agendas & reports, news media reports, Internet and other sources for story ideas of interest to a wide audience suitable for editing and posting on the district website.

Manage responses and catalogue website inquiries.

Regularly review all district and school web pages to ensure conformity to district format standards and web content policies and regulations, and ensure content is up-to-date.

Regularly review all district and school web pages to ensure links and applets are functioning properly.

Assist or collaborate with other web page managers in posting information.

Perform other related duties, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Knowledge and demonstrated skill working with Microsoft Frontpage and the Microsoft Office suite of software. 

Experience with Adobe Acrobat Professional, Photoshop and Illustrator and a working knowledge of HTML and Javascript.

Ability to be creative and innovative in writing and web design.

Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Knowledge of proper webpage layout and Internet technologies; including web search engines and design standards.

Knowledge of applicable policies, regulations and rules governing the district website, records management and employee/student privacy.

Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet deadlines.

Ability to accomplish assignments with minimal supervision; a self-starter.

Knowledge of digital photography and related software.

Skills in the use of standard office equipment and the ability to learn the operation of unfamiliar office equipment

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Post-secondary diploma in a communications-related discipline, such as journalism or public relations from an institution recognized by the District, that includes courses in writing and/or web design/layout. 

Minimum five years experience in a related position, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

None